The international ZIM co-operation network »bio2pack« has been launched. It aims to develop a portfolio of solutions for the innovative use of natural raw materials in ecologically sustainable packaging materials.
The network is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy's Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) and managed by Regional- und Wirtschaftsentwicklungsgesellschaft Süderelbe AG. Currently 14 companies involved in »bio2pack, four research institutions are also integrated into the network.
Behind the abbreviation is the title ‚Biomaterials and biopackaging‘. Süderelbe AG's »bio2pack« innovation network is committed to the development of sustainable packaging materials as alternatives to conventional, petroleum-based plastic packaging. It pursues the idea of recycling in order to strengthen the sustainable treatment of the environment. This is because around 80 per cent of consumers want sustainable packaging that conserves resources and reduces the amount of microplastics entering the environment.
„To date, there has been a lack of environmentally friendly, efficient and cost-effective alternatives in the packaging industry. Even the food industry is still reliant on conventional packaging, which is almost impossible to recycle. We are therefore delighted to be starting our project work now. Together with a network of small and medium-sized companies and research organisations, we want to promote the development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions,“ says Dr Jürgen Glaser, authorised signatory of Süderelbe AG.
Sustainable packaging solutions wanted
The participating companies and research institutions will develop biodegradable products and new process technologies as part of co-operative development projects. The aim is to find efficient, ecologically acceptable packaging alternatives to replace existing solutions from the petrochemical sector and reduce the amount of pollutants released into the environment. The starting points of the network project are primarily in the areas of: Fibre casting, lignin, barrier materials, adhesives and composites.
„The network is open for further partners. Interested companies and research institutions that would like to participate in R&D projects and can contribute additional expertise are just as welcome as potential users of the newly developed solutions,“ says Dr Glaser.
Interested companies can contact Süderelbe AG.
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About the ZIM co-operation network »bio2pack«
The »bio2pack« network is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the »Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM)«. In an integrated approach, ecologically compatible solutions are to be developed according to the „cradle to cradle“ principle in the innovation fields „Transport packaging“, „Composite materials“, „Production engineering“ and „Coating“ are developed and realised with mutual support and in cooperation with renowned research institutions. The networks between the partners and with the research institutions will also be utilised in the subsequent marketing of the developed products and processes. The aim of the network is to develop a transparent, innovative portfolio of solutions as an alternative to conventional, petroleum-based plastics.
Currently fourteen small and medium-sized enterprises and four research institutions involved in the network:
Members of the network from Germany: 4e solutions GmbH, amynova polymers GmbH, BFSV Verpackungsinstitut Hamburg GmbH, FGW Fasergusswerk Polenz GmbH & Co KG, FreshPacking GmbH, Landpack GmbH, Uphoff GmbH / MWK Bionik GmbH, NFC GmbH Nettle Fibre Company, OceanBASIS GmbH, RITTEG Umwelttechnik GmbH, Stone Paper Products GmbH. Research institutes: Research Institute for Leather and Plastic Sheeting (FILK), Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Dresden University of Technology, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology. From Austria: Profümed GmbH and VOGELBUSCH Biocommodities GmbH.
From Luxembourg: Molecular Plasma Group. »bio2pack« is realised by Süderelbe AG from Hamburg. [/infotext]
